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DnHnR'3 Edition 

or PLAY3 



The Truth About Jane 



Price, 15 Cents 




COPYRIGHT, laaa. rv Walter h bakcr & co. 



a. W. ^imro's Paps 



THE AMAZONS -^a^celnTlireeActs. Seven males, five feifaales. 
Costumes, modem ; scenery, not difficult. Plays 
a full eyening. 

THE CABINET HINISTER ^arcem pout Acts. TenmaleS,nine 
females. Costiunes, modern society ; 
scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

DANDT DICK ■^*'^*'® ^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. 
Costuihes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays 
two hours and a half. 

THE CAY LORD ODEX comedy in Four Acts. Four males, ten 
y females. Costumes, modern ; Scenery, 

two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. 

HIS HOUSE IN Order comedy in Fout Acts. Nine males, four : 

females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, 
three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE HOBBY HORSE ^'^^^^^ ™ Ihr^e Acts. Ten males, five 
females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. 
Plays two hours and a half. 

IRIS ^''*°^* "^ ^i\Q Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, 
modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

tADY BOUNTIFUL ^^^^ ^ Four Acts. Eight males, seven fe"- 
males.i. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four in- 
teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. 

LFTTY ^""^^^ ^^ Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five fe- 
males. Costumes, modern ; scenery complicated. Plays a 
full evening. 



Sent prepaid ©n receipt of price by 
No, s Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



The Truth About Jane 



A Comedy in One Act 



By 
ALICE C. THOMPSON 

Author of '■'•Just Like Percy ^^ '•'■Romantic 

Mary^" '•'■Oysters" '•'•An Auction at 

Meadowvale^^ etc. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1909 



(J? 



1? 



The Truth About Jane 



CHARACTERS 

Mrs. Wilming. 

Isabel, ^ 

Cornelia, , , ,, 

Agnes, ^ ^'''' ^^''Shters. 



Jane, 

Mrs. Jane Wilming. 

Bridget. 



PROPERTIES 

Sewing materials, a letter, shawl-strap with rug, a traveling 
bag, tray, teapot, two cups and saucers, golf stick, bottle 
of smelling salts. 




Copyright, 1909, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 



LiBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two GoDies Received 

MAY H 1^09 

CLASS j\ XXc Mo. 



The Truth About Jane 



SCENE. — Sitting-room at Mrs. Wilming's. A sofa and two 
chairs at R. ; table and armchair at l. Entrances at c. 
and down L. 

(At rise of curtain, Isabel, Agnes and Cornelia are dis- 
covered sitting in a semicircle, all engaged i7i sewitig.^ 

Agnes. I wonder why mother is so worried. 
Cornelia. Oh, don't you know? She's just had a letter. 
Agnes. A letter ! From whom ? 

Cor. {mysteriously). I don't know, but I think it's about 
Jane. 

Isabel. About Jane ! Why, what's she been doing now ? 
Cor. Who can tell? Oh, here is mother. We'll ask her. 

Enter at L., Mrs. W. She carries a letter. 

Mrs. Wilming. Oh, girls, what do you think? 

{All jump up.') 

Agnes. Something exciting is going to happen. I know it. 

{She dances about.) 

Mrs. W. I'm so worried. I've had a letter from your 
Aunt Jane. She's coming to-day. {Sits at l.) 

ISA. Is that all? {All sit down.) 

Mrs. W. All ! You don't understand. She may be here 
at any moment. What am I to do ? 

Cor. Why are you so frightened of Aunt Jane ? 

Mrs. W. Not exactly frightened, dear. But I forget, you 
don't know your Aunt Jane. 

Cor. Yes, I remember her. She stayed with us once when 
I was very little. 

Mrs. W. You could not have been more than six years of 

3 



4 THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 

age. It was before your sister Jane was born. And all my 
trouble is about Jane — our little Jane. 

Agnes. Why, what do you mean, mother? 

Mrs. W. At Jane's birth I wrote to your aunt, telling her 
I was calling my youngest child after her. She seemed to be 
very pleased about it, but though that was seventeen years ago, 
she has never seen her namesake ; for you know she has lived 
abroad a great deal. To-day I came across the letter she wrote 
in reply to my news. Here it is. 

ISA. And you have kept it all these years. Do let me 
see it. 

Mrs. W. I will read it to you, and then, perhaps, you will 
understand. Of course, I don't want to be mercenary, but 
you know your Aunt Jane is very wealthy and has no children. 
Naturally 1 wish her to have a favorable impression of Jane. 

Cor. Certainly. But read us the letter, mother. 

Mrs. W. 1 will at once. [Reads.) "My dear Isabel: 
I am pleased to hear you have another daughter although, as 
you already have three, it might better have been a boy." 
Your Aunt Jane is rather peculiar. " However, we must make 
the best of it, I suppose, and as you have done me the honor 
to call her Jane, I will tiy to take an interest in her career. 
Let me suggest that you bring her up in the good old-fashioned 
way. Teach her to sew, to mend, to cook, to bake as you and 
I were taught, and please omit from her education all those 
new-fangled accomplishments that make the modern girl so 
useless and so pert. I promise you that if my niece Jane meets 
with my approval, I shall make her my sole heir, and will give 
her a two years' visit in Europe when she is seventeen years of 
age. My love to Jane's sisters. Affectionately, Jane Wilming." 

Cor. Jane's sisters, indeed ! So even then we were noth- 
ing more. 

Agnes. Oh, no, we can sew and cook. 

ISA. And darn stockings. Mother, you have spoiled Jane. 

Cor. We have all spoiled her. Who could help it ? 

Mrs. W. But what am I to do ? Tell me what I must do. 

Cor. There's only one thing to do as far as I can see. 

ISA. And that is 

Cor. To tell the truth about Jane. 

Mrs. W. Yes, you're right, Cornelia. We must be honest. 
But she won't go to Europe. And poor child, she will be so 
disappointed. 

IsA. But if we could only warn her. 



THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 5 

Mrs. W. It would make no difference. 
Agnes. How I wish you had called me Jane ! I was born 
domesticated. I would rather stay at home and sew than • 

(^A loud knock at c.) 

Mrs. W. There, I believe that is Aunt Jane. {All rise. 
Agnes opens door. Enter Aunt Jane. She is a large, 
rather severe looking woman and carries a rug in a shawl- 
strap and a small bag?) Jane ! 

Cor. Aunt Jane ! 

Aunt Jane. How do you do, my dear Isabel ? 

(^They kiss.^ 

Mrs. AV. I'm so glad to see you again, Jane, after all thsee 
years. Do you remember my girls ? 

Aunt Jane. Are all these yours? {Takes Agnes' hand.') 
What's your name, my dear ? 

Agnes. I'm Agnes. 

ISA. And I'm Isabel. 

Cor. And I'm Cornelia. 

Aunt Jane. Cornelia. Then you're the eldest. But 
where is my namesake? Where is Jane? She's not dead? 

Mrs. W. Oh, no, no. 

Cor. She will be in soon. 

Aunt Jane. Did she not know I was coming ? 

Mrs. W. No, she did not, or I am sure she would have 
remained at home. Take off your things, Jane; then you will 
be more comfortable. (Aunt Jane removes her coat. Agnes 
places it on chair.') Girls, do you know I see a resemblance, 
quite a marked resemblance, between your aunt and our Jane. 
The nose, the eyes 

Aunt Jane. Is your Jane considered good-looking ? 

Mrs. W. Oh, I would rather you form your own opinion 
when you see her. But I will say you have the same smile. 

Aunt Jane. Did I smile ? {She seats herself.) Why did 
you not tell Jane I was coming? I am naturally very curious 
to see her. {All sit down.) 

Mrs. W. I couldn't very well. You see, the fact is Jane 
went out right after breakfast this morning and has not been 
back since. 

Aunt Jane. Is she at school ? 

Mrs. W. No, she has left school. I don't know just where 
she is. Do you, Cornelia ? 



6 THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 

Cor. No, mama. 

Mrs. W. Do you know, Agnes ? 

Agnes. I haven't any idea. 

Aunt Jane. Humph ! She ought to be in school. 

Mrs. W. Jane is seventeen. She wishes to go to college. 

Aunt Jane. What nonsense 1 I don't believe in this col- 
lege education. It's nothing but a fad. As long as a girl can 
sew, do household accounts, cook a dinner and jingle a little 
on the piano, to keep her out of mischief, she has all the 
education a woman needs. Oh, I am thoroughly old- 
fashioned. 

Agnes {to Cor.). She'll never get on with our Jane. 

Cor. Oh, hush ! 

Aunt Jane. Well, I see you are all very busy. 

Mrs. W. Yes, they are always busy. 

Aunt Jane. I'm glad to hear it. And what is Jane's 
specialty ? 

Cor. Jane's specialty ! 

ISA. Jane? Jane does lots of things. 

Aunt Jane. Yes, but what kind of things ? Embroidery, 
dressmaking, knitting? 

Isa. {giggling). Imagine Jane knitting ! 

Mrs. W. You must let Jane tell you herself what she does. 

Isa. She is not a bit like us. 

Mrs. W. Jane has had — I have been obliged to give Jane 
a little more liberty. I think she takes after my dear husband. 

Aunt Jane. I hope above all things that she is not modern. 
(Cor. gives a start.) I prefer the old-fashioned girl. (Jane 
is heard at c, whistling.') What's that ? 

(Mrs. W. rises and looks anxiously at c.) 

ISA. That's Jane. 

{The door at c. Is flung open and Jane rims hi. She Is 
taller than her sisters, wears a woolen sweater with a 
worked emblem In front, and a short skirt. She carries 
a golf stick.) 

Jane. Oh, mother, I've had such a perfectly splendid 
time. {Kisses her.) Jack and I have been all over the golf 
course, and I beat him by two up. 

Agnes. Good for you, Jane ! 

(Aunt Jane picks up her lorgnette and gazes through it at 
Jane.) 



THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 7 

Jane. There was an awful crowd around the green when I 
was pulling at the last hole and I really believe Jack was 
rattled ; but it didn't bother me. I like to be looked at. The 
more they stare the cooler I get. I just played like this. 

(JMotioii of pictting ball in hole with a very confident, jaunty 
air.') 

Mrs. W. Jane, dear, this is your aunt. 

Jane. My aunt ! (^Turns.) 

Mrs. W. Your Aunt Jane, after whom you are called. 

Jane. Oh, my wealthy Aunt Jane, who is going to take me 
abroad for two years. 

Aunt Jane {icily'). I'm not so sure of that. 

Jane {holding out both hands). I'm so glad you've come at 
last. Do you know I've looked forward to this trip for years 
and years. I hope you'll like me. {IVinningly.) Everybody 
does. The girls all spoil me. But I'm sure I'll make a good 
traveling companion. It's the dream of my life to go to 
Europe. Oh, what a dandy time we'll have ! 

Mrs. W. (distracted). Jane I Jane! 

Jane. Oh, that's slang ! I'm always forgetting. 

Aunt Jane. I abhor slang. 

Jane. Well, if you hear me make any more mistakes, 
please correct me. I'll — appreciate it. 

Aunt Jane. It's not my place to correct you. 

Jane. Do you play golf. Aunt Jane? 

Aune Jane. Do I look as if I played golf? 

Jane. Oh, but plenty of elderly people do. You needn't 
hesitate on that account. 

Aunt Jane. I hope I make a better use of my time. 

Jane. But you'd like it. It's such fun. Now just try a 
drive. {Fulls Aunt Jane to her feet and puts the golf club in 
her hands.) Swing it like this. 

(Aunt Jane swings club and hits table.) 

Mrs. W. Oh ! 

Aunt Jane. Bless the child ! What am I doing ? Here, 
take your stick. {Sits.) Now don't do that again. 

Jane. I knew I'd make you enthusiastic. ' 

Aunt Jane. You're easily encouraged. And what other 
accomplishments have you acquired, may I ask? 

Jane. Oh, I can ride, drive, swim, fence, play tennis and 
baseball and hit the bull's-eye at sixty yards. 



8 THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 

Aunt Jane. Why, you're not a girl, you're a boy ! 

Jane. Don't I wish I were a boy. {Smiles very sweetly.^ 
Call me Tommy ; all my friends do. 

Aunt Jane. I call you a disappointment, a total disap- 
pointment. 

Mrs. W. {to Cor.). There, I told you so. 

{Buries her face in her handkerchief .') 

Jane {opeiiitig her eyes'). lam? Why? 

Aunt Jane. I looked for a modest young lady 

Mrs. W. Oh, Jane, please ! 

Cor. You see. Aunt Jane, we always wanted a brother. 

Aunt Jane. So you made a boy out of your youngest sis- 
ter. Can she darn stockings ? 

Agnes {eagerly). No, 1 do them. I love to darn. 

Aunt Jane. And 1 suppose she knows nothing whatever 
about cooking ? 

Jane. Oh, yes, I do. I can make Welsh rabbit in a chafing- 
dish. And I graduated from a class in First Aid to the 
Injured. 

Mrs. W. Oh, yes, indeed; Jane can set a broken bone like 
a doctor. 

ISA. And she knows what to do if you take a fit. 

Aunt Jane. Who told you I took fits? Nothing but a 
little affection of the heart. 

Mrs. W. Oh, it was never mentioned, I assure you. 

Aunt Jane {to Jane). Have you no ladylike accomplish- 
ments? 

Jane {shaking her head). I'm afraid I haven't. {Brightly.) 
But I can make toast. Toast goes with tea. Won't you have 
a cup of tea, Aunt Jane? I'm sure it would make you feel 
better. 

Aunt Jane. I believe I would like a cup. 

Jane. I'll get Bridget to make the tea, and I'll make the 
toast. 

{Exit Jane at l., flourishing the golf stick in one hand. 
The three girls draw up together and chatter excitedly.) 

Mrs. W. I'm sorry I didn't think about the tea, Jane. It 
was thoughtless of me. You must be tired after your journey. 

Aunt Jane. I am. Jane seems to have some sense. But 
she is a disappointment. 



THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 9 

Mrs. W. She always had so much spirit, our dear Jane. 

Aunt Jane. Spirit ! She is hke a wild pony. 

Mrs. VV. But such a good heart ! 

IsA. {loudly). I say I ought to go. I'm next to Jane. 

Cor. And I say I should go. I'm the eldest. 

Agnes. And 1 can talk French the best, so I should go. 

Aunt Jane. If you're planning to go abroad with me, you 
may as well give it up. I'm not likely to take any one. It 
was to be Jane in the first place, and there will be no sub- 
stitute. 

Mrs. W. {clasping her hands). Oh, you surely don't mean 
that. 

Aunt Jane. Yes, I do. I told you I detested the modern 
girl, and Jane is about the most advanced specimen I have ever 
seen, fit for nothing but pleasure and excitement. 

Mrs. W. You are really unjust to her. You don't know 
her. 

Aunt Jane. I think I do. {Rises.) Well, I'll go now. 

Agnes. Oh, wait for your tea. Aunt Jane. 

Mrs. W. {going to her). Oh, indeed, you must wait for 
your tea. 

Enter Jane with tea and two cups on tray. Aunt Jane sits 
down. 

Jane. I can make toast if I can't make pie. We used to 
make it at school in the big stove, when the teachers weren't 
around. 

Aunt Jane. I can well believe that. 

(jANE/z/Zi- tray on table.) 

Jane. It was such jolly fun. Forbidden things always are. 
{Pours tea.) Sugar and cream, aunty? 

Aunt Jane. Cream. 

Jane. No sugar ? 

Aunt Jane. No sugar. 

Jane. I like five lumps. {Brings her the tea.) Mother, 
you'll have a cup, won't you, dear? 

Mrs. W. Please, Jane. 

(Aunt Jane sips her tea.) 

Jane {anxiously). How is it, aunty ? 
Aunt Jane {softened). Very nice, and the toast is de- 
licious. Do you like traveling? 



10 THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 

Jane. I just adore it, though I've never been any farther 
than Philadelphia. 

{Pours tea for Mrs. W. Kg^-es, passes it.') 

Aunt Jane. I'm afraid you'd be rather helpless as a trav- 
eling companion. 

Jane. Helpless, I ! Not much. I've never seen anything 
that could down me yet. 

Mrs. W. Jane, dear ! 

Jane. Oh, Aunt Jane may just as well know me as I am. 
{Going to her.) If we were wrecked, I could swim with you 
on my back to the nearest island. 

Aunt Jane. Mercy ! Don't talk about wrecks. 

Isa. And there might not be an island. 

Jane. There always is — in books. {Kneels beside Aunt 
Jane.) Then I would build you a little hut, hke Robinson 
Crusoe, and if any of the natives attacked us, I'd put a bullet 
into him, quick as pop. {Snaps fingers.) 

Aunt Jane. You boast like a child, but wait until your 
courage is put to the test. I dare say you'd fly from an angry 
man like any other timid woman. 

Jane. I might be a little frightened. {Rises and takes 
Aunt Jane's ci/p.) Some more tea. Aunt Jane? 

Aunt Jane. No more, thank you. {Suddenly ath., are 
heard shrill screams, and a man' s rough, threatening voice. 
All jump 7p.) What's that ? 

Mrs. W. {clasping her hands). Mercy, what shall we do ? 
It's that dreadful man who comes after poor Bridget and de- 
mands her wages. She says he's her cousin. 

(Agnes goes behind sofa. Isa. rutis to Cor. , and clings to 
her. The noise increases.) 

Isa. Oh, send for a policeman ! Help, help ! 

(Bridget screams loudly and rushes in at l., holding her 
head in her hands. Her hair has come dowti, and her 
apron is on back to front.) 

Bridget. Oh, murdher, murdher ! He'll kill me. 

{She backs up against the door, holding it shut. The man 
outside raps on the door with his fist and threatens her 
loudly. Mrs. W. wrings her hands. Agnes wails.) 



THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE II 

Aunt Jane {t-unning to wiiidoini). Police, police ! Don't 
you dare come in iiere. Go way, go way ! 

Jane {picking up golf stick). I'll settle him. (^Goes to l.) 
Brid. No, no, miss, he'll kill you, sure. 
Mrs. W. Come back, Jane, come back. 
Jane. Some one must go and put him out. 

{Pushes Brid. aside and goes out at L.) 

Brid. The saints pertect her ! She's the brave one, brave 
as a lion. 

{All listen for a moment, hut nothing is heard.) 

Agnes. Perhaps he's killed her already. 

Mrs. W. Agnes ! 

Cor. rd better go and see. {Hesitates.) 

Brid. Begorry, but I hear her tellin' him good-bye ! 

Enter Jane, looking very pleased. 

Jane. He's gone. He won't come back any more. 

(Aunt Jane at window.) 

Aunt Jane. There he is. And a horrid- looking man, too ! 
Brid. He's me own cousin. 
Aunt Jane. Nothing to be proud of. 
Mrs. W. However did you manage him, Jane ? 
Jane. I — I just persuaded him. 

Agnes. Oh, that's easy. I could have done it myself. I 
wasn't really frightened. 

Aunt Jane {alarmed). I believe he's coming back. 

(Agnes utters a loud scream ajid gets under table.) 

Jane. He won't come back. He gave me his word. 

Aunt Jane. No, he has changed his mind. He's going on 
again. {Xg^'ES comes out, looking rather ashamed. All smile 
at her, Isa. pointing at her.) Weren't you frightened, Jane ? 

Jane. Yes, I was a little, at first. But I just nerved myself 
to go on. 

Aunt Jane. Ah, that is true courage. 

(Brid. begins to cry.) 
Mrs. W. What's the matter now, Bridget? 



12 THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE 

Brid. He's me own cousin, me mother's own sister's son. 
(Brid. sobs loudly.') 

Jane. You'd better go to bed. Your own cousin has been 
too much for you. Go on, Bridget ; I'll get dinner, and I'll 
bring you some supper up-stairs. 

Brid. Bless you, miss, for a koind young ledy. (^Goes 
to L.) But he — was — me own cousin. \_Exit, sobbing. 

Cor, I'll get the dinner, Jane, as you've done so much. 

(Aunt Jane gives a gasp and holds her ha?ids to her heart.) 

Aunt Jane. Oh, I'm ill! This excitement — my heart! 
Quick, Jane. (Jane assists her to sofa.) I'm subject to these 
attacks. ( Closes eyes.) 

Mrs. W. (f'unning about). What shall I do? Oh, dear! 
Oh, dear I I'm going to faint. (^Sinks into a chair.) 

Agnes. I believe I am, too. 

Jane (decidedly). No, you're not. Open the window and 
look after mother. I'll attend to Aunt Jane. 

(Agnes, Cor. and Is a. busy themselves nervously about 
Mrs. W., fa?ining her and putting a cushion at her back. 
Jane removes Aunt Jane's bojinet and applies sjuelling 
salts. She revives.) 

Aunt Jane. I feel a little better. Who's this? Oh, it's 
you, Jane. This is the first time I've done without a doctor. 
{Sits up.) Jane, I believe I could go round the world with 
you. 

Jane {delighted). Oh, how dand — how lovely that would 
be! {A telephone bell rings without at -L. £x it Agt>!ES.) 1 
think you had better go to bed now. You'll be all right in the 
morning. 

Aunt Jane. Do you think so ? 

Jane. Certainly. I'll help you undress, and at seven 
o'clock I'll bring you up some supper. It's six now. 

(Mrs. W. opens her eyes and sits up.) 

Mrs. W. How's Aunt Jane? 

Aunt Jane. You too, Isabel ! Well, Jane has her hands 
full. 

Jane {pleasantly). 1 like to be busy. 



THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE I3 

Aunt Jane. Ah, my dear, your cheerfulness is a great 
blessing. 

(She rises and fakes Jane's arm.') 

Reenter Agnes. 

Agnes. Jane, they want to know at the golf club if they 
can enter your name in the tournament ? 
Jane. Are they waiting? 
Agnes. Yes, and they're very anxious to have you. 

(Jane looks at Aunt Jane.) 

Aunt Jane. Agnes, you tell them that Jane has a previous 
engagement, made seventeen years ago. Now that I know the 
truth about Jane, I'll have no one else as a traveling companion. 
I'm going to take Jane abroad. 

Jane. Hooray ! 

IsA. Hooray ! - \_Exit Agnes. 

Aunt Jane. Come and pack your trunk. {They go to l.) 
After all the modern girl has her good points. 



CURTAIN 



A NEW SOCIETY DRAMA. 



THE PENALTY OF PRIDE. 

c/1 Society Drama in Four diets* 
By ARTHUR LEWIS TUBES. 

Seven male, four female characters. Scene, an elegant interior, the same 
for all four acts; costumes modern and elegant. An admirable piece, of strong 
emotional and dramatic interest, suited for professional production, or for an 
experienced amateur club. Its story offers a clever combination of human 
passion with the more artificial but equally absorbing stress of social and 
financial life, essentially modern in spirit and effect. The characters are well 
diversified, Eastwicli, Kirlie, Tom, Mrs. Enstwick and Sallie, being admirable 
parts, and Elizabeth Ann Cripps, a " tough girl," and Tim, her best fellow, 
orfering a decided novelty in comedy characters, amusingly developed and con- 
trasted. Plays two and one-half hours. 

PRICE 25 CENTS. 



CHARACTERS? 

Frank East-wick, a trusted bank cleric Lead. 

Vivian Kieke, a society poet Heavy. 

Robert Chalmers, a bank president— Mrs. Eastwick's uncle . . . Old Man. 

Tom Gresham, devoted to Sallie Juvenile. 

Tim Travebs, not so bad after all Cliaracter Comedy. 

Barker, a detective . . '. Responsible Utility. 

Officer Utility. 

Emily Bastwick, Frank's loife Lead. 

Sallie Clegg, her sister Juvenile. 

Mrs. Dalsimee, whose hobby is "reform" .... Character Old Woman. 
Elizabeth Ann Cripps, " saved from tJie slums" . . . Character Comedy. 

SYNOPSIS s 

Act I. — Home of Frank Eastwick, New York City ; an afternoon in 
December. Suspicion. 

Act n. — The same night, 12:30 o'clock. The desertion. 

Act III. — One week later. The ruined home. 

Act IV. — At Mr. Chalmers's residence. Four months have elapsed. The 
return. 



NO ADMITTANCE. 

A Farce in One Act. 

FOB FEMALE CHARACTERS ONLY. 

By EVELYN GRAY WKITING. 

Seven female characters. Scene an easy interior ; costumes modern and 
pretty. A humorous picture of amateur house-koeping in a " flat " — a case of 
sweets to the suite, in fact. A "bachelor girl" with a taste for modelling is 

E resented, with a few of her fiiends, as the victim of Maria Kelley, " a general 
ouseworker," with amusing results. Brightly writteii. Plays half an hour. 

PRICE J5 CENTS. 



NEW PLAYS. 



MATED BY JURY. 

cMn Extrd'vaga.nza. in T<^uo <Ads, 
By SHERMAN F. JOHNSON, 

AUTHOR OF "BOYS WILL BE GIRLS," ETC. 

Eleven male, five female characters , all played by men in the original per- 
formance. Scenery, tv/o easy interiors; c<istiunes, modern. Plays an hour or 
more, according to specialties and variations from printed text, as recommended. 
An oddity among plays, the second act being in the nature of a mock trial, 
and the event of the story, depending as it does on the verdict of a jury selected 
from the audience and quite independent of any text, being doubtful. This 
trial can be " worked up" to any extent, and is intended to be so amplified 
with local hits, etc. The plot, as revealed, is interesting, and the doubt as to its 
conclusion in each case greatly heightens this for the audience from whom the 
jury is chosen. Characters, varied and humorous. Dialogue, bright and full 
of points. 

PRICE J5 CENTS. 



CHARACTERS: 



Isabel Lbterii^g. 

Maude MAelowe \ r,„ft„7,, fWe«f/, 

AuKT HaxnAh Levering, /roni Mid- 

dletoion. 
Daphne, Isabel's maid. 

lll^''l^^^..a] ^saM-sbrotners. 

Sherlock Homes, a deducer. 



JOHX Roberts, Isabel's fiance. 

Mark Benson, « lawyer. 

Mr. Clarke, hank cashier. 

Mr. Brown, Clarke's friend. 

Judge. 

SiG. Antonio, in love with a voice. 

Policeman. 

Fireman. 

Guests at Linen Shower. 



SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Isabel's linen shower. Intrusion of Roberts. How a woman buys 
a spool of thread and a man buys a cigar. The electric buttons. Daphne's 
love letters. Aunt Hannah's arrival. Homes on forger's trail. The accnsation. 
" The court shall decide their courtship." 

Act II. The trial. The cashier's testimony. Homes' deduction. Bobby's 
evidence. Aunt Hannah on doctors and breakfast foods. Daphne surprises Sig. 
Antonio. Benson rubs in the surprise. Jury from audience brings in verdict. 
" Whose bride shall she be? " 



c^ Farce in One c/lci* 
By D. S. MADDOX, 

author of " the man from ARIZONA," ETC. 

Three male, one female character. Costumes, modern ; scene, an easy in- 
terior. Plays about half an hour. A bright and easy little farce, playing 
briskly and to well sustained interest, and full of opportunity. Brother James 
Sw.ng, the reformed house-breaker, whose strength in the face of temptation is 
confessed to be still doubtful, is a sore trial to Brother McArdle and his house- 
keeper. Can be played by all male characters, as Mrs. Brown's sex is unim- 
portant. 

PRICE J5 CENTS, 



NEW PLAYS. 



DECEPTION'S WEB. 

A Comedy in Two Ads* 
By EVELYN GRAY WHITING. 

Six male, three female cliaracters, and utility. A brisk and entertaining 
piece, especiallj' adapted for amateur theatricals in subject, treatment and 
requirements. Very brightly written and full of " go." A breezy account of 
the woes and humors of the ncAvly married in their relations with instalment 
furniture dealers, burglars, and others. Simeon Brown's burglar alarm device 
is a " corker." Not a piece for lazy people, as it is full of exercise for all 
hands. Something doing all the time. Plays an hour and a half. 

PRICE 15 CENTS. 



CHARACTERS. 

Simeon Brown, a victim of the " instalment j)lan." 

FoKD Dayton, Ms <'.ousin. 

Samuel Holton, of Holton and Holton, instalment furniture. 

Nicholas Dodge, of Dodge and Co.,jeicekrs. 

Augustus Kidgely, a young ilrucigist. 

Jackson J.\ckson, a servant to Simeon : a alave to Margaret. 

Lucy Brown, Simeon's icife znJJi a weakness for" bargains." 

Phy'LLIS Lee, her cousin toho lost " Apollo." 

Margaret Sullivan, the new girl, u-ho u-ishes to he called Marguerifa. 

Three Detectives, two Teamsters, and two men to enter with Simeon at 
close. The two teamsters may double second and third detectives. 



SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Simeon's front parlor. The home of a bargain-hunter during 
peace. The instalment plan. Simeon has his ti'oubles. 

Act. II. — The same, in a state of siege. A system of defence. Simeon has 
his reward. 

THE DUMB WAITER. 

A Farce in One Ad* 
By HELEN SHERMAN GRIFFITH. 

Five female characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, easily arranged. A 
capital little piece relating some incidents of "the first day of school" at a 
girl's boarding school. A very lively and amusing picture of girlish crimes, 
escapades and misdemeanors, full of fun and movement. The dumb waiter has 
a strong part, and yet breaks down at an important crisis. Plays half an hour. 

PRICE .15 CENTS. 



A Psychological Moment. 

A Farce in T<wo Scenes* 
By HELEN SHERMAN GRIFHTH. 

Six female characters. Costumes, modern ; scene, two easy interiors for 
which one may be made to answer at a pinch. A bustli-.ig and lively little play 
revealing some of the secrets of boarding-school life, and keeping things moving 
for about half an hour. A good little piece of its kind. 

PRICE 15 CENTS. 



a. W, Pneto'g Paps 

^titt, 50 Centjei €atl) 



THE MAGISTRATE ^^^^^ ^^ Three Acts. Twelve males, four 
females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all 
interior. Plays two hours and a hiilf. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITP J-^f"^* \^ J'T ""f ' 

Ei,J^' males, five females. 
Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interiors PI; ys a. lull evening. 

THF PROFI IfiATF I'l^'y^Ji Four Acts ;ieven males, five females. 
Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; 
costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF SCHOOI MISTRESS F**rce in Three Acts. Nine males, seven 
females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, 
three interiors. Plays a full evening, 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^S^/^nii. X 

tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

SWFFT I AYFNDFR comedy in Three Acts. Seven males,, four 
females. Scene, a single interior; costumes, 
modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TIMFS Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays a 
full evening. 

THF WFAKFR SFY comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, eight 
IM< tji4 females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two 
interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITIOBT A SMIIE '^,X«^Z.^2..Z: 

niodem ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

l^altet: J^» I5a6et: a Company 

No. 5 Hiamilton Place^ Boston, Massachusetts 



,^ ^ -iKi Y - 017 401 367 6 < 

3^ecent popular :piaj0 



THE AWAKENING 



US EXCELLENCY TflE GOVERNOR 



Play in Four Acts. By C. H, Chambers. 

J'our males, six females'. Scenery, not diffi- 
cult, chiefly interiors ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 
Price, 50 Cents. 

THE FRUITS OF ENLIGHTENMENT' g^«^/o.^3-,o?'¥wi%^: 

one males, eleven females. Scenery, characteristic interiors ; cos- 
tumes, modern. Plays a full evening. Kecommended for reading 
clubs. Price, 35 Cents. 

Farce in Three Acts. By 
R. Maeshall. Ten 

males, three females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior. 

Acting rights reserved. Time, a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

AV inPAl HINRANH comedy in Four Acts. By Oscak Wilde. 
AH IUL1AI4 UVDOanU Nine males, six females. Costumes, mod- 
ern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. Acting rights 
reserved. Sold for reading. Price, 50 Cents. 

TflE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST ^l^ By Iscln 

Wilde. Five males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenes, two 
interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. Acting rights' re- 
served. Price, 50 Cents. 

LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN fet^%!^e"n^tlfes,^n^i?IT 

males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full 
evening. Acting rights reserved. Price, 50 Cents. 

NATHAN HAIF flay in Four Acts, By Clyde Fitch. Fifteen 
ilAlUiUl unLtLi males, four females. Costumes of the eighteenth 
century in America. Scenery, four interiors and two exteriors. Act- 
ing rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

mATHFR FFTIflW Comedy in Three Acts. ByM. B. Hokne. 
VllILia ILiLiL^VH Six males, fottr females. Scenery, two 
interiors ; coptum^es, modern. Professional stage rights reserved. 
Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Ceiits. 

THF TYRANNY OF TFARS comedy in Four Acts. By C. H. 
lUC linAmil Vr ICAAJ Chambeks. Four males, three fe- 
males. Scenery, an interior and an exterior; costumes, modern. 
Acting rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE g^A^^rLD^E^VuttaS 

seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors and an 
exterior. Plays a full evening. Stage rights reserved. Offered for 
reading only. Price, 50 Cents. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

5^alter "$. OBafier a Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



■ . 4. PAKKHILL * 00.. PRIf«TKn«. ■OaTON, U.S.A. 



